Give 'em Zoell

Posted: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 1:23 PM by Countdown

Some of what we're working on for tonight...

It looks like President Bush has chosen Robert Zoellick, another member of his inner circle and, yes, another neo-con as his choice to head the World Bank.

Expect a formal announcement today, as well as eventual confirmation of Mr. Zoellick by the bank itself. Perhaps they, like Countdown -- with fresh visions of Bill Frist -- are filing Mr. Zoellick under "coulda been worse."

Also.....

...in case you were wondering, Tom DeLay believes God is talking to him, or he's just hearing voices. For what it's worth, fellow Delay followers will be reminded that when he smiled for his mugshot he claimed to be projecting the image of Jesus (and not an indicted ex-congressman and roach exterminator.)

GENDER SLAP Some days come reminders that foreign policy isn't going to be the only lasting legacy of the Bush administration. Take the Supreme Court in yet another sobering 5-4 decision. The Justices have made it virtually impossible for employees (read women) to sue for pay discrimation that only reveals itself over time. The Court, now requiring employees to file all formal complaints with a federal agency within 180 days after their pay was determined. And here's the catch: EVEN IF THEY DIDN'T YET KNOW THE DISCRIMINATION HAD TAKEN PLACE. Big business is, of course, thrilled with the ruling. And Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg so outraged that she decided to read her dissent from the bench. In those remarks, she invited Congress to overturn the Court's decision. (Don't hold your breath.)

Hillary Clinton says she is going to try.

IS FREDDY READY? Former Republican Senator and Law & Order cast member Fred Thompson seems set to announce his latest role: that he is forming a "testing the waters" committee for a presidential run. That's one step below an exploratory committee in case you were wondering... so while not a first step, he is at least looking to get up out of his lounge chair by the side of the pool.

The Politico just reported he'll be ready to jump in by the Fourth of the July.

G-O-O-D T-I-M-E-S Get those placards and that little bell ready. The National Spelling Bee starts today, and Countdown curiosity Samir Patel, who has never yet won, is making his fifth and final appearance at the annual spell-a-thon.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

''Indicted''But was he convicted?[Yet DeLay is now gone].In his place we have the indicted Rep.William ''The Refrigerator''Jefferson[D-La] who was talking to African bagmen instead of God[Jefferson is still on his House committee].

Lee Holmes (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 1:42 PM)

My #1 Story: The organization I work for in Boston bought a table to this event: May 31, Boston, MA The ACLU Foundation's annual Bill of Rights Dinner has sold out, with more than 700 people expected. Our wait-list-only Bill of Rights Dinner will feature commentator Keith Olbermann, who has developed a national following thanks to his critiques of abuses of presidential power. Good luck Keith. I’m looking forward to your comments. You have a great number of fans up here in MA.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 1:42 PM)

Hey, it is not new that he thinks that God talks to him - that's why were in Iraq because Mr. Bush thinks that too he's the messiah spreading God's message to us, but the bad thing about the way he's spreading the message is that he is making war. Jesus did not have army and he did not invade other nations to spread his father message as Mr. Bush's. But my question is: what God is talking to them, and why does God talk to only these two-man - not other men?

Gatrek, Austin, MN (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 2:07 PM)

Manipulatingly enough, both of these bums want us to think they are channeling the original Jesus, not the second baseman. Who they are actually picking up on, is known only to them. The Topper looks like he might be getting Chiang Kai Shek, or maybe it's just the Panda. But the Bottom, DeLay, with that Pornstar-Cheesy look on his face, undoubtedly has John Holmes coming out of his ears.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 2:21 PM)

Because God would never talk to anyone with a name like Gatrek.

John, Phila (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 2:25 PM)

Projecting the image of Jesus? Somehow I don't think Jesus drove a fancy car, had a large bank account or was INDICTED. He also has not been seen helping the poor & down-trodden. Mr. Delay really needs psychiatric help!

Kimberly, Houston (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 2:30 PM)

The BBC is reporting that the ex-PM of Thailand has been banned from politics for five years for fraud. What is the appropriate punishment for fraud leading to war for personal profit? Under this Congress, apparently none. Bush, Cheney and Gonzales are treasonous traitors and deserve a much darker fate than a five year ban. Like swinging in the wind like a fascist wind chime. So do the Republican Senators letting King George piss on the Constitution. You reap what you sew, Senators, and you are sewing domestic civil war. Enjoy your last few months free of radiation poisoning before your boy decides he wants to meet Jesus in person. It will probably be your own security details coming for you. You have to ask yourselves, are they loyal Americans or loyal Bushies? If they are Americans, you might survive to see your trial. Bushies? lol, you might want to run. Sleep tight, idiots.

Todd, New Orleans, LA (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 2:38 PM)

I am reminded of a book by Terry Pratchett called Small Gods. In there, Vorbis believes that he is talking to the Great God Om, but the reality is that his mind is so closed in on itself that all he is hearing are the echoes of his own thoughts. Instead, Om, who was trapped in the body of a tortise at the time, was talking to Brutha, the only person in the whole world who actually believed in him. This is what Delay reminds me of.

Bridgette Beneshe, Brunswick, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 2:39 PM)

Gatrek, you missed something. Bin Laden believes that Allah speaks to him too, and that he is doing the work of Allah.

Bridgette Beneshe, Brunswick, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 2:41 PM)

Does anyone else think that Mr. Zoellick looks almost exactly like Thomas Hayden Church(the mechanic from "Wings")? Or, is it the other way around? I'll never figure it out....Plus, how do we know that it's NOT Church? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.......Alien clones? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.......Where's my tinfoil hat.......

Clonz 'R Us (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 2:47 PM)

I wonder if Jesus can cure my acne........

Tom DeLay (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 2:49 PM)

As a women this supreme court inferiorates me. They seems determined to set women back at least 100yrs and are doing agood job of it. First they tell me I am not capable of making my own medical decisions. Now I have to try and prove discrimination before I know it's happening. Everynight I pray for the health of Stevens, Ginsberg, Briar and Souter.

jen,il (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 2:50 PM)

And to paraphrase George Carlin, "The only way DeLay found Jesus was that Jesus didn't see that bastard coming." Same with his hero the chimp.

Todd, New Orleans, LA (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 2:59 PM)

Jen, I agree that a woman should have a right to choose, heck it's her body. If she wants to dance naked and prostitute herself, that's her right. Please leave the hookers in New Orleans alone , these poor girls are only trying to make living . They have rights too !

Todd, New Orleans (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 3:09 PM)

Hey Todd in Nawlins, it appears bush and them believe that only loyal bushies are loyal Americans. As for DeLay, you think God told him what clubs to use when he was playing golf with Abramoff in the Northern Marianas?

Scott in South Texas (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 3:19 PM)

What the hell happened to Rep. Foley from my Sunshine State. The Page Stalking extremely white man from a sunny place was enroute to rehab faster than a bull out of a chute for frollicking with the pages. So where oh where is my man from Flawda. Has there been a sighting, does he vote from his knees in rehab? We're paying this guy for his enforced page sabbatical. Are they weening him off pages in rehab a few little boys at a time? Where is Mr. Foley, the hood ornament of the Grand Oil Party.

Bob Pensacola (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 3:29 PM)

RE Tom DeLay: I'm always surprised that a picture can be taken of him. A vampire can't be seen in a mirror and cameras work like mirrors, right? Hmmm. Also - re the Thailand note above. Today's NYT talked about a Japaneese gov official who has been sentenced to DEATH for graft and bribery. Think we can learn something from them?

Independent, Texas (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 3:31 PM)

If you are judged by the company you keep then God must be a creep. Instead of talking to the likes of Bush and Delay he should shut up and drive.

Russell in Maryland (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 3:32 PM)

Some good questions and good points Todd. Also a good point Lee. There is devilish corruption on both sides of the isle. When one goes down most likely they will be followed by another of similar or even greater corruption behind them (or in front of them) regardless of the party. I just wish Delay had gone down without that smile. Kind of make me think he is a smart-a--. I don't like smart-a----. I don't like corruption on either side of the fence or from those on the middle of the fence, but I know for certain I don't like smart-a----. Maybe he is and maybe he is not, but if Delay is a smart-a-- then I hope one day his God let's him know by way of some very enlightening message.

C A, Tuscaloosa, Al (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 3:57 PM)

Bob, Foley resigned. Then, he just disappeared. As for Delay, the thing is, he won't accept that what he did was morally, ethically, or legally wrong. Not now, not ever, not when the Pearly Gates are slammed in his face. I don't know if this fits with Delay, but what the heck. There was a short story by Mercades Lackey a long time ago about an televangelist who made a deal with Satan to become the most powerful evangelical in the world. He even read the contract closely, and he prayed to God every day to absolve him of his sins. In the end, Satan got him anyway. The man had asked for and been forgiven of his sins, but not the sins he asked others to commit in his name. Also, sometimes I wonder why we trust a party whose slogan is a lie? Grand Old Party, but they're the younger of the two?

Bridgette Beneshe, Brunswick, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 4:07 PM)

Inde, it was a Chinese official who was sentenced to death for bribery and corruption. The Japanese cabinet minister who was to be investigated for the same thing, and would have been sentenced to jail, committed suicide instead.

Bridgette Beneshe, Brunswick, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 4:11 PM)

Someone needs to tell mr. delay that Jesus was a poor black man. Especially if he plans on projecting him in future mug shots.

jen,il (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 4:22 PM)

That last post was an impostor. While I think criminalizing prostitution is one of the most futile things in the world, I would never say what that poser poster said. That is really infantile. Nice to see the GOP are as retarded as I think and then some. Scott, looking your direction . . .

The Real Todd, New Orleans, LA (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 4:32 PM)

So, God talks to Bush and DeLay, huh? Know who else he talks to? That creep Fred Phelps over in Kansas. Is it just me, or do the people that He talks to seem to be a few fries short of a happy meal??

buzz (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 4:51 PM)

Jesus loves Tom Delay. Too bad almost everyone else thinks he's an a@#hole. Isn't hearing voices in one's head a classic symptom of schizophrenia?

Bill Rochester NY (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 4:55 PM)

Todd I've tried using aliases and or "pen names for some of my posts. They didn't go through. BTW I am not the imposter

Bill Rochester NY (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 4:57 PM)

I was hoping Paul O'Neill would be the next head of the world bank. He's honest, knows how to manage money and is a former member of the administration. Oh wait the first two reasons are why he's a former member of the administration.....nevermind

Bill Rochester NY (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 5:00 PM)

Bridgette - thanks for the correction.

Independent, Texas (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 5:06 PM)

Yeah, yeah, what's new? WHY is this news? You know what would make news? If Bush actually picked someone out of sheer intelligence and experience vice 'kinship.' And hey, I get he's not the only one, regardless of political affiliation that has done that-so please no Clinton, Kennedy, etc.. GWB just goes to great lengths to ignore the majority. On another note, I see that there was some kissing and making up a couple of threads ago re: slapping Cindy Sheehan. Since I'm in the middle of packing, burning copies of a family made DVD, and making sure my husband knows what to do with the kids for the next 5 days, I haven't had time to read it all-I'll just have to take your words for it!:) My eldest bro and I are catching the red-eye to RDU tonight, then it's off to Fayetteville for our sibling reunion. We all get to see our SIL off at Pope AFB-what joy! My bro will be leaving soon too. So, wish me luck and hope that in 15 months time my family can do this all over again, except that time it will be a big A** WELCOME HOME! Also, for whatever you believe: Karma, prayers, rainbows and butterflies, please keep my brother, SIL, their fellow soldiers in your hearts and hopes for safe return. Also, if it's not too much, please keep us family members in your thoughts-it will be a long 15 months and I'll need you all to rant to (don't take it personally anybody-I'm an emotional person)! Thank you! PEACE!

Jamie, Chula Vista, CA (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 5:07 PM)

Hmm...why is it republicans are okay with death and mysogyny, but seem to constantly claiming God is on thier side? Am I missing something, or is lying, killing, coveting and stealing still amongst the list of "thou shalt not"s?

A Response (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 5:17 PM)

They should make Muhammad Yunus head of the World Bank, but then again, I doubt that this Administration is interested in actually helping the world's poor, let alone have a Bangladeshi Nobel Prize winning Economist run the World Bank. After all, tha would be silly, right?

Bridgette Beneshe, Brunswick, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 5:21 PM)

Good luck Jamie. Our thouhgts and prayers are with you and your family.

C A, Tuscaloosa, Al (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 5:43 PM)

Petraeus's orders to mingle with local Iraqis in an effort to foster trust and glean tips on the insurgency.Has anybody figured out this isn't working because these guys like Zorro and the Lone Ranger wear masks and are same guys they mingle with by day.They are disgruntled Iraqis.Why the hell do you think they wear those masks?Damn Officers how stupid can they get.Cut your losses get the hell out we cant win a no obeject war.It's that easy leave,adios amigos.Bush's ego is not worth one more life General.He will fire or blame you too in the end.He is a friend of Jesus like Judas Priest.They are not insurgents for the most part.That is a label this group of "Terror Experts,Karl Rove Invented" that let 9/11 happen on their watch,lead us into this mission-less war,have lied and lied,and have memories of gnat's.Let's see how much they remember when they have to pay for this?Whoops swoosh,now you see em now you don't.I don't recall,I can't remember,those seem to be missing off the hard drive.Not one more dime in September,let him Veto,till he is blue in the face from his tantrum,till his pen runs dry,till John Warner Mitch McConnell,McCain and the whole bunch whines and cries."We got to get out of this place."..Eric Burden.. Pack the troops and what we can carry and head for Kuwait.We can come back when they sort it out themselves.I bet those masks will come off then.You notice they don't wear em when they are having there Civil War.

B. A. Buddusky (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 6:23 PM)

Jamie, we finally worked through the anger and frustration and flustering which is always good. I say this to all those who I know whose religious beliefs I don't know. May the blessings of every diety upon this world and across a thousand worlds be upon you, and may that which is to be for you be sweet and kind.

Bridgette Beneshe, Brunswick, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 6:38 PM)

Inde, you're welcome.

Bridgette Beneshe, Brunswick, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 6:39 PM)

B.A., you're right. Not too long ago, Ted Rall in his 26 February editorial comic wrote something brilliant about the Afghans. Back when Russia was in that country, Rall happened to be covering it. He found that the Russians were very popular with the Afghans. Various Afghans told him how the Russians built roads, schools, gave out food and how they were kind and respectful to their culture. So Rall asked why fight them. The last two panels show an Afghan saying "They were occupiers, they had to die. It was nothing personal." What many of these nations want is something that we in the collective West have been unwilling to give them. Respect, autonomy, and self determination. Jon Stewart pointed out that, had Iraq been full of Europeans, we would have let them choose their own destiny.

Bridgette Beneshe, Brunswick, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 7:24 PM)

Anyone think we will finally hear about the Presidential Directive tonight? Explain to me why I am suppose to care about Ms. Lohan? Or Paris or Brittany? And someone explain to me why Angelina doesn't adopt American born children? 14% of the American population lives at poverty level or below...don't American born poor kids generate the same publicity? And if our adoption system is broken, Angie and Brad could sure help fix the situation...couldn't they...I don't think the Presidential Directive will ever make Countdown...what up with that Keith!!!

george, lost in america (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 8:01 PM)

So MSNBC is reporting that the DOJ will investigate their own hiring practices. How do you spell "circle jerk"? Too little, too late, too ridiculous.

Todd, New Orleans, LA (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 8:10 PM)

George - lost in america: We've been screaming about the "dictator directive" all day. Sure would like to know more about it and, especially, why Countdown dropped it like a hot potato.

Independent, Texas (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 8:17 PM)

Todd, they're doing it deliberately to prevent the Congress from investigating. If they investigate themselves, they can claim that Congress is interfering in their investigation. I think there needs to be a law to prevent them from investigating themselves.

Bridgette Beneshe, Brunswick, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 8:20 PM)

George, Todd, and Inde, we keep posting about it. We keep talking about it. Maybe they'll get the clue that we want to know more.

Bridgette Beneshe, Brunswick, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 8:26 PM)

Pat in Boston, hope you enjoy seeing Keith. We will miss him tomorrow night...you know, kinda like tonight!!

Tru M., Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 8:29 PM)

After watching Ray Nagin's pathetic "State of the City Address" tonight, I'm just flat tired of asking the government, Federal and local, to do the job they were hired to do and getting nothing but a bunch of lip and whining. It's time for a Special Prosecutor or a revolution. I am up for either. So are a lot of people. I think Al Gore is missing the point. We The People are not afraid anymore. Some of us never were. We The People are ANGRY. Fear you can use as a control mechanism to a degree, but anger? Anger is chaos. Prodding the angry can get you killed. And history shows political machines using fear as a tool always, A L W A Y S, fall apart when when the tide turns to anger - one way or another - either they explode (Mussolini) or implode (Hitler, Pol Pot). Sleep tight, Senators. You are laying the groundwork for the death of our nation.

Todd, New Orleans, LA (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 8:38 PM)

Todd, I once said that this is the most vitriolic period in American history since 1859. Remember what happened in 1860?

Bridgette Beneshe, Brunswick, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 8:47 PM)

So. . .Delay wants to compare adultery with adultery? I was in Britain when the Clinton impeachment went through. At the time, Lord Paddy Ashdown was stepping down as head of the Liberal and Social Democrats (LibDems). The man had been giving the moniker of Paddy Pantdown for his rather open afair with his secretary. I can't write them all down here, but Delay, you are no Arthur Clark, MP. Heck, you're not even a John Majors. You aren't even as much fun as former PM John Majors.

Bridgette Beneshe, Brunswick, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 30, 2007 8:55 PM)

Todd: I agree that the nation is at a serious cross roads. The path we chose to take now and in the next few years will determine what kind of world, if one still exist, that our children will live in as adults. But unless things change I can see a great deal of chaos in our kid's futures. The seams of sanity, security and a society of lawful existence is about to burst. We are not prepared for what lies ahead in the future. There already exist a great deal of cultural lag. Those of us who blog here are but a small percentage of those who truly represent the American populace. Many could not tell you the current environmental issues we face, define what the Free Trade Act represents, still think Saddam planned 911, have any idea why gas prices are on the rise, know the particulars about Dafur, understand the Patriot Act, know how a cell phone works, know how a computer works, get pissed off at anything requiring government processing, think rapping and playing video games is more important than finishing High School, don't know how to complete a job application let alone their tax forms, on and on. While our technology has advanced our kid's education has declined. Those in the lower class economically will be joined by more numbers from the middle class. Those who are wealthy will become even more wealthy. I could go on, but their is something not so good lurking in this country's future unless we admit too, face up too, and do what we can to lessen the gap between cultural advancement and technological advancement, and to prepare our people to meet the challenges of sharing while also protecting all that we have on a global scale. There also needs to be a major change in the political process.

C A, Tuscaloosa, Al (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 11:04 AM)

stop posting pics of Hot Tub Tom, the Bugman. ewww. i have to wash my eyeballs every time. effin hypocritical fake christianoid scumbag.

barb g, albany ny (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 2:23 PM)

C A - Agreed. My goal is to see that the transition back to rational power is as bloodless as possible or that the fascist theocrats have just just as bad a time as I can manufacture. However, I do fear that bloodlessness may no longer be possible.

Todd, New Orleans, LA (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 3:05 PM)

oh Barb, he's easier on the eyes than that blimp Al Gore

John, Phila (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 3:13 PM)

John in Philly, easy on the blimp talk, there. I've got a little crush going on Al based on his prescient stance on the Iraq War, his work on saving the planet, and his very un-politician-like concern for how we managed to put our country and our Constitution at risk. He's busy trying to change the world in good ways, which may not leave him as much time as W has to hit the treadmill or the trail bike. That said, he's no KO.

Linda, Pittsburgh (Sent Thursday, May 31, 2007 3:48 PM)

Next >>

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://thenewshole.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=208535

More News Hole

Recent Posts:

Archives:

Categories:

The Essentials

Countdown Links

Syndicate This Site

Add The News Hole to your news reader:

ABOUT THE NEWS HOLE